🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Ginkgo of Education and Creativity from Reggio Emilia, Italy

Ginkgo of Education and Creativity

I studied biology at university, but creativity has always been central to my life — especially drawing, writing poetry, and traveling. I began my career teaching biology, and during that time I became deeply interested in theatre and non-formal education, organizing board game clubs and career trips for students. Later, I worked in a private school teaching 3D modeling and volunteering with students affected by the war. Now, I help organize internships for high school students in Italy and run workshops that combine creativity and education.

The soil / the need

After finishing school and starting teaching, I saw a theatre project created by my colleague’s students, and it truly captivated me.

The first seed

A friend.

Tell us about that first spark

The first performance that truly absorbed me was during the beginning of the war, when I was living in Poland in a small village. During the Night of Museums, there was a staging of one of Adam Mickiewicz’s works. I didn’t understand the language well, but I was completely pulled into the atmosphere — as if I had entered another dimension and was watching everything happen for real.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

My friend, who organized a school theatre project, had once been part of a school theatre herself and decided to recreate that experience for her students as a teacher. Her example was an important root in my path.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

The people — their incredible personalities — and the way each new performance reveals them in a completely different light. Theatre also helps me see myself through what I watch.

Branches (future / desire)

I’m not completely sure yet, but I think I would like to organize a theatre in a school in Ukraine after returning from my volunteer work.

Are you currently involved in cultural activities?

Yes, regularly.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Why?

I uploaded a photo of an oak, but if I were a tree, I would be a ginkgo. It becomes incredibly sunny in autumn, and I love that although it is a gymnosperm, it still has leaves.

Contact

Email: klisunovaanastasia@gmail.com